Elderberry Decoction (the Making Process)

The Finished Product:  1 c Elderberry syrup, 1 c rum, 1 c. honey

Elderberries - I think it is about half a cup of dry berries.

Filled pan with water to within an inch of the top (smallest sauce pan)

Straining out the berry juice

Mix equal parts:  juice, rum and honey

Topping off with Rum

I put about half a cup dry elderberries in the bottom of the smallest saucepan I own.  Cover berries to within an inch of the top of the pan, and turn on the stove.  Heat the berries in the pan until you have half the amount of water you started with. Strain the juice from the berries and then you mix equal parts berry juice, rum or vodka and honey - I ended up using a cup of each.   I shook the jar to mix it all together, and then put it in my cupboard (dark, cool dry place).

An excerpt from  The Bulk Herb Store - where I bought the berries (link takes you straight to the elderberry page):

"Common Names: Elderberry, black elder, common elder, pipe tree, bore tree, ellhorn
Latin Name: Sambucus nigra
Elderberries are tasty flu fighters. They contain compounds that inhibit the enzyme flu viruses from penetrating our cell membranes and also prevent the virus from invading respiratory tract cells. Taken early enough, as a tea or tincture, you may be able to head off an upcoming illness before it becomes a full-blown flu. They are especially good for bronchitis, colds, coughing, and influenza. Also contains substances that ease inflammation and pain and soothe the intestines, thus making them useful in all inflammatory bowel diseases. It is known to have a gentle laxative action, and their mild tonic action helps to arrest diarrhea."